748.2 Roadway Design Criteria
Contents
748.2.1 Roadside Ditch and Culvert Frequency Criteria
See EPG 749.2.1.2 Roadside Ditches and Culverts.
748.2.2 Crossroad Structure Frequency Criteria (Roadway Design Frequency)
748.2.2.1 Major Routes
On Major Routes, for bridges and box culverts, the water level shall be no higher than 1 foot below the lowest shoulder point during a 50- to 100-year event. For bridges and box culverts on interstates use the 100-year event. For pipes, the water level shall be no higher than 1 foot below the lowest shoulder point during a 25- to 50-year event. For pipes on interstates use the 50-year event.
748.2.2.2 Minor Routes
On Minor Routes, for bridges and box culverts, the water level shall be no higher than 1 ft. below the lowest shoulder point during a 25- to 50-year event. For pipes, the water level shall be no higher than 1 ft. below the lowest shoulder point during a 10- to 25-year event.
748.2.2.3 New Locations
For new locations, consider the expected traffic volumes and length of roadway to be constructed in selecting the roadway design frequency.
748.2.2.4 Replacement Structures
For structure replacements, the lower end (i.e., 100-year) of the hydraulic frequency ranges is used for high volume routes and sites requiring only minimal roadway work. The upper end (i.e., 25-year) of the hydraulic frequency ranges is used for low volume routes and sites requiring extensive roadway work. The replacement structure should be designed so that it does not increase the roadway design frequency.
748.2.2.5 Rehabilitated Structures
When rehabilitating an existing structure it is not required that the adjacent roadway be raised to meet the roadway design criteria for new roads.
748.2.2.6 Project Scope
When applicable, the project file shall include a note indicating that improving the roadway design frequency is outside the scope of the project.
748.2.3 Overtopping Flood
The overtopping flood is the actual flood at which flow occurs over the roadway. It is used as a design scour event and is the overtopping event reported on the plans.
748.2.4 High Water Marks
The districts shall keep a record of the elevation of high water marks during floods for future design purposes. High water marks should be indicated on roadway structures if possible and labeled with the year of the occurrence.
